By creating an account, you acknowledge that PBS may share your information with our member stations and our respective service providers, and that you have read and understand the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

The Dawes "Allotment" Act

Clip: Special | 2m 7s

In 1887, the Dawes act (also known as the Allotment Act) was passed, which was an attempt to integrate Native Tribes into white society. Reservation land was divided up and individual members were assigned parcels of land to farm.